The inauguration of Ghana’s 9th Parliament, marking a new chapter in the country’s democratic journey, took place with a blend of tradition, political harmony, and new mandates.
The event followed the expiration of the 8th Parliament, which lasted from January 7, 2021, to January 6, 2025, at midnight. The ceremony began with a roll-call of Members of Parliament (MPs)-Elect conducted by Acting Clerk of Parliament Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror.
He noted that, apart from the Ablekuma North Constituency, all 275 constituencies were duly represented.
In a moment of political consensus, Hon. Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, MP for Ajumako Enyan Essiam, nominated Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin for the Speakership role.
Dr Ato Forson provided a concise biography, emphasizing Bagbin’s wealth of legislative experience and his leadership during the 8th Parliament, a historic hung Parliament.
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, MP for Effutu, seconded the nomination, marking a rare instance of bipartisan agreement. With no counter-nominations, Acting Clerk Djietror declared Rt. Hon. Bagbin as the Speaker of the 9th Parliament.
The Chief Justice of the Republic, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Esaaba Araba Sackey Torkornoo, administered the Oath of Allegiance and the Speaker’s Oath. Speaker Bagbin was then adorned with the Speaker’s ceremonial gown, symbolizing his formal assumption of the role.
Acceptance Speech: A Call for Unity and Efficiency
In his acceptance speech, Speaker Bagbin expressed profound gratitude to God, the President-Elect, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, and the MPs for their confidence in his leadership.
He reflected on his journey from being Ghana’s longest-serving legislator to becoming Speaker of the 8th and now the 9th Parliament.
“I came to the speaker of the 8th Parliament with my experience as the longest legislator of the house. I now come to the 9th parliament with just not that background but now with the experience of 4 years of the speakership of a very difficult hung parliament.”
Speaker Alban Bagbin
Speaker Bagbin pledged to leverage this experience to guide Parliament with efficiency, diligence, and a commitment to upholding democracy.
He also called on Ghanaians to remain engaged with Parliament’s work, emphasizing its role as the bedrock of Ghanaian democracy. In a final note of gratitude, Speaker Alban Bagbin acknowledged the weight of the trust placed in him: “Once again, I am very grateful for this great honour.”
Swearing-In of MPs and Election of Deputy Speakers
Following Speaker Bagbin’s address, the newly elected MPs were sworn in, comprising 183 from the NDC, 88 from the NPP, and four independents who have aligned with the NDC Majority Caucus.
The House then proceeded to elect Deputy Speakers. Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza, MP for Adaklu, nominated Hon. Bernard Ahiavor, MP for Akatsi South, for the First Deputy Speaker, with Hon. Patricia Apiagyei, MP for Asokwa, seconding the nomination.
Rt. Hon. Bagbin subsequently declared Hon. Ahiavor duly elected. For the position of Second Deputy Speaker, Hon. Frank Annor-Dompreh, MP for Nsawam Adogyiri, nominated Hon. Andrew Asiamah, MP for Fomena.
His nomination was seconded by Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, MP for Tamale South, and he was duly elected.
Speaker Bagbin congratulated the MPs on their hard-fought victories in the 2024 elections, urging them to rise to the occasion given the significant expectations of the Ghanaian populace.
“The task ahead is enormous, but I trust in your commitment and resilience to deliver for the good of the nation,” he charged.
The ceremony concluded with the Speaker suspending the first sitting of the first meeting of the first session of the 9th Parliament, setting the stage for a busy legislative term ahead.
READ ALSO: Ghana Missing on the List of Top 10 African Countries Leading in Private Sector Investments
